In a heartwarming display of student leadership and pan-African collaboration, second-year students at the School of Hospitality Business and Management (SHBM) at University Mohammed VI Polytechnic in Benguerir, Morocco, orchestrated the fifth annual Internship Networking Forum. The event brought together aspiring hospitality professionals with industry giants under the uplifting theme "Africa Welcomes the World: Hospitality Beyond Borders."

The forum served as a powerful testament to Africa's emerging prominence in global hospitality markets, with students taking center stage to explore strategies for excellence, sustainability, and innovation across the continent. More than 40 Rwandan students currently study at UM6P, reflecting the deep educational partnerships flourishing between African nations.

Adeline Carton, Director of Academic Services at UM6P, set an inspiring tone by highlighting the university's commitment to nurturing hospitality talents who honor African cultural foundations while meeting international standards. "We form professionals capable of evolving in multicultural environments, service leaders, ambassadors of the economy, and agents of environmental change and impact," Carton shared, emphasizing how the forum bridges academic learning with real-world career opportunities.

Rwanda's Ambassador to Morocco, Shakilla K. Umutoni, delivered a keynote address that illuminated her nation's remarkable hospitality transformation. Through the Visit Rwanda initiative, the country has developed luxury accommodations, world-class conference facilities, and pioneering ecotourism programs protecting mountain gorillas. "Hospitality is not merely an industry. It is a reflection of our values, our openness, and our shared aspiration for sustainable development," Ambassador Umutoni declared, showcasing how thoughtful tourism development can drive economic growth while preserving natural treasures.

The Ripple Effect

The forum's impact extends far beyond a single day of networking. Souleymane Khol, Vice President Operations for Accor Morocco, revealed that his company operates 43 hotels in Morocco and approximately 200 across Africa, with ambitious expansion plans centered on developing local human resources. "Our first asset is human resources. What makes the difference between one hotel and another is the quality of these human resources," Khol emphasized, highlighting the tremendous career opportunities opening across the continent.

Kyle Schofield, Managing Director of QA Venue Solutions, brought an electrifying message about Africa's demographic advantage. "We are the youngest continent across the entire globe," Schofield proclaimed, connecting this youthful energy to the student-led nature of the forum itself. His company's Kigali Sports City project, featuring the BK Arena, has hosted over 400 events since 2019, welcoming between 300,000 and 400,000 annual visitors and generating over $65 million in economic impact.

The event culminated in networking and speed-recruitment sessions where students connected directly with industry professionals to secure valuable internship placements. These face-to-face interactions transform abstract career dreams into concrete opportunities, positioning Africa's next generation of hospitality leaders for success.

"We believe in the future of Africa, and we believe that the future is Africa," Schofield declared, capturing the optimistic spirit that permeated the entire gathering. With young professionals like these SHBM students leading the way, Africa's hospitality sector is poised to welcome the world with excellence, innovation, and authentic cultural warmth.